While many mums will be spending Mother’s Day with some well earned relaxation time and putting their feet up, Birmingham Commonwealth Games hopeful Tamika Saxby will be put through her paces at the North Coast PSA Challenger Tour in Coffs Harbour… with her number one fan, her daughter, court side.
Saxby became a mum just over a year ago, her daughter Lorelai is now 15 months old.
Balancing being a mum and a professional squash player hasn’t been easy as she eyes off her second Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next year.
Since becoming a mum, Tamika’s biggest take away is that quality trumps quantity.
“When Lorelai is napping, it is my time to workout or study but if she needs to burn energy then we head to the squash centre and she helps me train,” Tamika said.
Her daughter is already displaying her own squash ability and Tamika would be happy to coach Lorelai if that was something she wanted to do.
“I grew up with my dad coaching me and I know how special that relationship can be. I think coaching Lorelai is something I would love to do,” she said.
“One day while we were at the Squash Centre after a tournament she picked up my husband's racquet, walked herself onto the court and just started chasing the ball around.”
As Tamika attends squash events around the country, winning isn’t the only rewarding thing she has to look forward to.
“It was great to win the Gympie PSA tournament but it was amazing to see her running towards me afterwards just to give me a cuddle,” Tamika said.
At the end of the day if her daughter wants to pursue squash or not Tamika wants to instill in her the same message that her parents gave her.
“I just hope she takes away how important it is to have dreams and chase them no matter what. It’s something I will endeavour to pass on to her,” Tamika said.
Watch Tamika and all our participants via our live stream - Northcoast PSA Challenger Tour: https://bit.ly/3tz9PGS
To all the amazing mums in our squash community we hope you have an amazing day with your families.